Two letters of Hermeias to his sister and to his son Gounthos TM 31346OxyrhynchosIII

[recto] Hermeias to his sister, greetings. For the rest, I do not know what to write to you, for I have grown weary of telling you everything, and you do not listen. For a man who sees himself in misfortune ought at least to give way and not simply fight against what has been decided. For though we are of modest and unfortunate birth, not even so do we pay attention to ourselves. So far, then, nothing has yet been done, and even so, if you care, send me someone, either Gounthos or Ammonios, to stay with me until I know how my affairs are settled. Am I perhaps to be dragged off or even confined until God has mercy on us? For Hermeias too is eager to come to you, but when I asked him to stay he was unwilling, saying, "I have some pressing business and must go up," and my son Gennadios is not able to attend to the property, especially being abroad and with the official staff. Manage your affairs as is fitting, so that we are not completely ruined. For it has not been granted to us to have anything, being unfortunate. Farewell, I pray, and fare well always. [verso] Hermeias to Gounthos his son, greetings. If Ammonios does not come to me at once, put off everything and come yourself, while he does your work. But see that you do not leave me in distress. And let me know how Didymos is; surely the days do not bring everything to an end? I pray for your health.